A while back, we had to form a screen to shield our neighbors and passersby from peeking into our home. After wondering about the types of fences and trees good for it, I turned to Google for some research. I found many, and different fast growing evergreen trees that were better than using a fence.
I learned that strategically planted fast growing trees could literally be good for charm, privacy and security for our home. Trees can provide an aesthetic look I wouldn’t get from a fence. They block the property from nosey neighbors while cleaning the air and providing shade and the needed privacy. In this post, I’ll share with you some of the most popular fastest growing trees for privacy in your home. I’ve also included some of the factors and options you should keep in mind before making your choice.
Eucalyptus
The Eucalyptus is native to Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania. It is popularly known as a gum tree in some parts of the world. This tree can be expected to grow over 65 feet in height if it’s not trimmed. It has a growth rate of 6 to 8 feet per year although some species are slower to expand.
One of the best things about it is that it’s an evergreen. Meaning, that it can give your garden or home an endless beautiful green view. However, it is strongly advised to carefully research before planting them. Their roots can grow and spread until they damage nearby buildings.
Weeping Willow
The weeping willow is both a shade provider and a fast growing tree. Its typical growth rate is 2 – 3 feet per year. But it has been known to have the potential of shooting up and growing at an amazing rate of 6 to 8 feet per year.
These willow hybrid trees have graceful statures, intertwined branches, and sweeping leaves which give your garden an incredibly charming feel. They can grow up to the height of 40 feet at maturity and cover an area of 35 feet in width. Foliage appears from as early as February, and they bear yellow flowers which blossom in April and May.
Its roots also grow faster and spread out widely, which means they can cause subsidence in nearby buildings. The weeping willow’s growth rate is 3 to 8 feet per year. It grows well near water, but there are also other hybrids available that can grow just fine in drier conditions.
Dawn Redwood
This species has existed from an unspecified point in time, but it said to be back in the prehistoric era. Surprisingly, the dawn redwood was only known as a fossil. It’s believed to have been extinct until its discovery in a remote Chinese province in the 1940s.
And ever since that time, this hardy specimen has been widely distributed. Today, it is one of the most popular conifers across the globe. Also being one of the few deciduous conifers. It can tolerate most of the soil conditions, it only requires wide open space to flourish. IIts growth rate is 2 feet per year. When mature, it’s known to reach a height of 100 feet tall and 25 feet wide.
Italian Cypress
This is a towering aromatic evergreen species. It’s best as a privacy screen or as your property divider. It is truly a unique evergreen privacy trees for backyard that doesn’t grow in a pyramidal shape like most. This one shoots straight up in a narrow columnar style.
The most important attention you can ever give it is pruning. But even the is as easy as a walk in the park. All you have to do is snip off the tree straight across the top at a desirable height. It’s also known to be resilient to drought and inclement weather. It has a growth rate of 2 – 3 feet annually. It can grow as high as 40 feet when mature.
Red Maple
This tree is also known as the American Red Maple ‘October Glory’. It produces beautiful orange and red leaves in the fall. It starts off growing as a pyramidal tree, then as it matures, it extends into a more irregular rounded shape.
Its leaves hold on to the tree until the late fall. Which means you get to enjoy the colorful scenery before winter sets in. It’s great for creating privacy and shade for your home. The red maple grows at a rate of 3 to 5 feet per year. It fully matures to 50 feet high and 35 feet wide.
Leyland Cypress
If you’re looking for an attractive green wall to block out your neighbors, this is a tree to consider. It has that deep green foliage that is green and soft. It is easy to trim and shape into a hedge but it has a naturally attractive look if you just let it grow on its own.
Its thick foliage grows quickly, so you would need to plant these for about 6 feet apart. These privacy landscaping trees tolerate partial shade but it’s recommended to plant them in full sunlight. It easily adapts to different soil conditions, the sandy or heavy in clay, as long as it is well-draining.
There is no need for fertilizer unless your soil lacks nutrients. You can give them a boost in the spring with a general all-purpose fertilizer like the formula 10-10-10. It can grow at a rate of 3 to 5 feet a year. When fully matured, it can reach the heights of 40 to 60 feet. It grows about 8 to 12 feet wide. It will spring up into a beautiful solid privacy wall before you know it.
Conclusion
Trees are strikingly beautiful and attractive, as compared to fencing. They boast vibrant colors and shapes. They blossom and dazzle all the way for many years while providing shades during the hot and dry summer months. However, you should consider the regions you live in before choosing a tree. The rapidly fast growing evergreen shrubs and hardy species is the best. Take note of the tree’s growth rate, the heights they reach and the widths they cover when they fully mature.
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